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::features:: |
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[Christian Smith on the Decks of
Headfunk] |
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by Colin Ong, 10.09.01 |
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How
It Got Started. You’re 14 years old and want to start DJing. What do you
do? Get 2 turntables and a mixer. It doesn’t really matter what brand
you got or if it was as shiny as the next guy’s. It was a start. One
day, they’ll get you some where. As Christian recollects, “……when
I was 14 years old, I got myself 2 cheap turntables and a bad mixer. From
that point, I really got immersed into house music and doing battle DJíng
on the side. As the years progressed, I got myself 3 technics (turntables)
and a good mixer. Then as I started making records, things changed really
fast and I was offered to play shows all over the world.”
His
big break really came at the age of 17. “I
was only 17 when I played at the Omen. I was opening up for Sven Vath at an
acid house party in ‘89. That was quite an experience. I remember being very
nervous...haha...I still get nervous occasionally. I guess that´s part of the
fun”. Since then, Christian has gone on to become more than just a DJ.
DJ, producer, label boss and all round nice guy. Attend one of his DJ sets and
observe him working the crowd. One might think he cheers on the crowd as he
delivers his tunes, such is his enthusiasm as reflected in the smile he so
often displays during his sets. Having
a career that spans over several continents (birthplace of Sweden and career
base for the better part) has added to his experience as a DJ. Christian moved
over to the US in 1990 and has this to say about the music scene back then and
now, “It was very young and musically was very open. Back then, they used to
put a house DJ, D n B DJ, techno DJ and gabber DJ in the same room in the same
night...it worked. Now things are more organized and the scene is about 10
times as big as it was 10 years ago. Is that good? I don’t know...sometimes
yes, sometimes no. I personally prefer playing in Europe and Asia. The
people are more up for it and don’t just go to the parties to get wasted on
drugs.” Probably a little known fact -- Christian returned to Sweden and
attended and graduated from Stockholm School
of Economics. Now, New York is where he calls home and is the base for all his
production work. “Quality Over Geography” is how Christian describes his objective
in music. “My goal is not to push
Swedish house and techno. I just try to push whatever I like. It doesn´t
matter where it´s from. I play both house and techno so I don´t like to be
classified as a Swedish techno DJ.” It is this very quality that has
helped him win the hearts of clubbers in Singapore and around the world.
December
2000. Christian made his debut in Singapore at the inaugural Zoukout
and delighted the masses. He was the last DJ rostered for the night.
Asked of his reflections on the night, Christian “was unaware that the event was going to get more than 12,000 people.
That was a very pleasant surprise. I was also very happy to end the party on
the main stage. I have a feeling that the people in Singapore get proper techno
very rarely and it was nice to see them get into it....” The
main stage, thousands of people and having to play after Dave Seaman (who is
already a household name with the local clubbers). Not an easy task for someone
who is making his first visit. Good enough for Christian “it
was nice to take over after a DJ who played commercial trance...I hope that I
converted a few kids from commercial trance to techno that night.” No
doubt about it. Sweaty bodies swaying to the pulsating rhythms and basslines of
hard hitting house and techno. All who were there couldn’t get enough of it.
But even as he attempted to give an encore, it all came undone by the pull of
the plug by the organizers. “What
can you do? .It’s Singapore...I would not want to get caned J” Before
this night, not many in Singapore were familiar with Christian and his work.
Save the few reconizing his and John Selway’s MOVE EP featured in Sasha’s
Global Underground mix album. May
2001. Having made it to the lips of most Singapore clubbers, the man returned,
to a warm reception. One that recalls his past exploits. Turntablism, tight
programming and let’s not forget – a DJ truly enjoying himself. His trip to
Asia, included a stop Kuala Lumpur before heading down Singapore. Zouk to be
specific. Appreciative of the crowd and reception he got at Zouk, Christian
hints at a return. “I like Zouk a
lot as many different sorts of people go there and have a good time. The sound
is awesome as well. Looking forward to coming back to Singapore in the spring
of 2002.” From
party to party, continent to continent, Christian has observed different
clubber preferences but ultimately, “It
really depends what kind of venue and party you play at. I have had great
experiences in most countries that I have toured in. Some are more advanced
musically, but that does not mean that the other countries aren’t as fun.”
Here’s a tip from Christian for the DJs in general. Always
keep a couple of records, which you know will rock and work the dancefloor, in
your boxes. He too, has experienced the occasional uncertainty of what to play
next. So what goes on in his mind what he’s at the console, knowing that
thousands are at his ‘mercy’? “That is indeed a very good feeling...haha...no, seriously, I just want
the people of have a good time and be a part of the party.” Apart
from DJing, his career highlights include setting up his own labels,
Tronic and Strive. The labels have allowed him some control over music
in respect to pushing funky techno and house. While the two labels facilitate
much of his own production work, he has continued to release some of his work
on labels such as Primevil, Rotation, Yoshitoshi, In-Tec, etc.
So
what is the rationale for a producer to be releasing work under several labels?
“When an artist is new, releasing many projects on big labels is one way
of getting name recognition in the industry.” While recognition is
certainly something he has achieved (just ask the thousands round the globe),
momentum has not been lost although he is now more selective in releasing his
material. “Now I try to only release
records on Tronic and occasionally another label. One thing that is very
important to me is quality control. It´s better to release one great record a
year than 10 average. Right now, I release about four 12"s a year and
about 5-10 remixes. I think that is enough. I will now, however, focus more on
my first album. Let´s see what happens.” Future
headfunk. His first mix CD, an album, new production and more remixes. Busy
months ahead as Christian strives on the production front. Fans can now enjoy
his DJ skills away from the club environment. ‘Tronic Treatment’, a
representation of the styles of music he plays in his set. 28 tracks in 74
minutes. Bring the energy into your home. (Out on Tronic. Distributed in the
U.S. by Moonshine and Hardware for Australia. Singapore clubbers can get it as
an important at the stores) “I think
that it worked out quite well.” Some
of the new productions in the pipeline will exemplify Christian’s continued
successful collaboration with John Selway. Having worked together for a while,
Christian has hinted towards an album in Spring. His immediate plans include a
new Tronic release for October as well as a few remixes. “You
know, the regular things. Just trying to stay busy and not lay around like some
lazy bum.” For updates on Christian’s work on Tronic, do check out the label’s web site at
e-mergermuzik
thanks Christian for taking time out from his break in Mallorca (Spain) and
wishes him all the best and to quote the man himself, “life
is good as long as it´s balanced.” Cheers! |
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